Structural element with mounting flanges



May 2, 1967 c. T. PATTON 3,316,683

STRUCTURAL ELEMENT WITH MOUNTING FLANGES Filed March 25, 1965 Sheets-Sheet l FIG.2

) )6 INVENTOR.

, CHARLES T. PATToN BY QM m ATTO R NEY May 2, 1967 c. T. PATTON 3,316,683

R RAL Filed March 25, 1965 3 $heets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. CHARLES T. PATTON ATTORNEY May 2, 1967 c T. PATTON 3,316,683 STRUCTURAL ELEMENT WITH MOUNTING FLANGES Filed March 25, 1965 3 Sheet s-Sheet 5 ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,316,683 STRUCTURAL ELEMENT WITH MOUNTING FLANGES Charles T. Patton, 1549 Martel St., Los Angeles, Calif. 90046 Filed Mar. 25, 1965, Ser. No. 442,644 12 Claims. (Cl. 52-582) This invention relates in general to construction and, more particularly, to a structural component adapted for integration into an infinite variety of construction units.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a structural component of a unique and novel configuration; and having unusual structural strength with minimum material.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a structural component which is so designed that the same may be readily integrated into a. structural system comprised only of a multiplicity of such components; said components being of such configuration that the same may be arranged for formation of substantially any type of construction unit.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a structural component of the type stated which is adapted for ready assembly with like components for construction purposes thereby obviating the necessity of marking for facilitating job site operations; eliminating any problems of replacement since each unit is identical; and manifestly conducing to rapidity and economy in production.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a structural component the use of which simplifies markedly the construction of various types of units which have heretofore been recognizedly complex from both the standpoint of material, as Well as integration.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a structural component which embodies minimal material so as to decrease the dead load of the super-structure of the construction unit so that considerable savings may be effected in construction costs.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a structural component which is readily engageable with cooperating components so that highly developed skill on the part of working personnel is not requisite.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a structural component the use of which establishes a departure from building techniques heretofore known as the same is amenable to formation into basic building progression links which conduce to the development of formations extending into a multiplicity of directions whereby the construction unit may, as it were, grow and progress in accordance with the dictates of the designer.

Thus, the structural component of the present invention presents a tool whereby architects and the like may translate into practical, three dimensional embodiment designs of high artistry and imagery.

Other objects and details of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings (three sheets) wherein FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a structural componentconstructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view taken from the upper end of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is an end elevational view taken from the left hand side of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is an end elevational view taken from the right hand side of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a side elevational view taken from the lower end of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary plan view of the structural component illustrating same in secured relation to connector members.

FIGURE 7 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 8 is a plan view of eight structural components of the present invention integrated into a single link unit.

FIGURE 9 is a side elevational view taken from the lower end of FIGURE 8.

FIGURE 10 is a plan view of the link unit illustrated in FIGURE 8 but showing the disposition on a portion thereof of an arrangement of components extending in a plane normal to the plane of the link.

FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary side elevational view taken from the lower end of FIGURE 10.

FIGURE 12 is a side elevational view of a plurality of the components of the present invention integrated into a pyramidal unit.

FIGURE 13 is a plan view of the unit illustrated in FIGURE 12.

FIGURE 14 is a vertical end view taken on the line 14-14 of FIGURE 12.

FIGURE 15 is a vertical end view taken on the line 1515 of FIGURE 12.

Referring now by reference characters to the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the present invention, A designates a structural component comprising a multi-lateral web or sheet section 1, having a pair of opposed curvate 'sides 2, 3 opening away from each other in concavo-concave relationship Each of said curvate sides 2, -3 respectively, comprise arcs of slightly less than, and slightly more than, respectively, curvate side 2 being of less linear extent than curvate side 3, is formed on a radius less than half the radius upon which curvate'side 3 is formed. The center of radii of said curvate sides 2, 3 are presented on a line as indicated at X which bisects the arc of each side 2, 3. Accordingly, the minimal distance between said curvate sides 2, 3 is along the line X.

Extending laterally outwardly from each end of said smaller curvate section 2 is a rectilinear side 4, 5; which are of equal length, and, being in mutual perpendicular relationship, the projections of which meet at a point on line X inwardly of the center of radius of curvate side 2, as indicated in FIGURE 1. Extending between the terminals of curvate side 3 and the adjacent rectilinear side 4, 5 are end sides 6, 7 respectively, each of which are relatively short and are perpendicular to the adjacent side 4, 5. Said ends 6, 7 being of like length are in mutual perpendicular relationship, the projections of which are adapted to intersect on the line X at a point slightly beyond the center of radius of curvate side 3, as shown in FIGURE 1.

Provided throughout the linear extent of curvate sides 2 and 3, are flanges 8, 9 respectively, which are planarwise perpendicular to web 1 and being secured thereto, as by welding, indicated at 10. Similarly, each rectilinear side 4, 5 is provided with a flange 11,12 respectively, which are of equal length; are planarwise perpendicular to web 1 being rigid therewith, as by welding, indicated at 13; and are of relatively greater width than flanges 8, 9. Each of said flanges 11, 12 is tapped to provide transversely aligned pairs of openings 14, 14'; four of such pairs being shown in FIGURE 4 for purposes of illustration.

It will thus be seen that line X passes through the centroid of component A, dividing same into two equal parts which are minor images of each other. It will also be seen that the said line X forms an angle of 45 with each side 4, 5. Provided for effecting engagement between juxtaposed structural components A, for purposes appearing herein'below, is a connector 16 which is of square tubular form (FIGURE 7) and which may be of any suitable length, although, in practice, it has been found most expedient to form same into relatively short units whereby the disposition of one at each end of the related linear side is adequate for effecting firm joinder with the adjacent component A. Each connector 16 is provided in each of its four faces 17 with two pairs of apertures 18, 18 for alignment with a set of openings 14, 14' in the flanges 11, 12, reference being made to FIGURE 4 wherein the arrangement of pairs of openings 14, 14 on said flanges is shown. It is to be recognized that the arrangement of openings and the length of connectors 16 may be varied but that the forms illustrated have proved in actual practice most reliable. Thus, each face 17 of connector 16 is identical so that in presenting a connector 16 to a flange 11 or 12, as the case may be, the artisan is spared the necessity of matching a particular face with the flange. Said connector 16 is secured to the related flange 11, 12 by means of bolts 19 passing through the openings 14, 14' and 18, 18 and with nuts 20 being tightly threaded on the lower ends of said bolts 19 which project into the interior of connector 16. The opposed face of connector 16 will be similarly engaged to a flange 11 or 1-2 of the adjacent component A for presentation of the same, one to the other, in accordance with the system to be developed.

The height of connector 16, or the cross-sectional extent thereof, since the same is square, is such that the centerline of said connector '16, when engaged to structural component A, if projected, would pass through the center of radius of related curvate side 2. Accordingly, the design and dimensions of connectors 16 are immediately related to the components A so that when four compo nents A are united by means of connectors 16 within the same plane, the respective curvate sides 2 will, together with the intervening connector 16, describe a circle (FIG- URE 13).

The quadrilateral or square character of connector 16 allows for simultaneous engagement to four components A, each being perpendicular to the two adjacent components A. A single connector 16 serves to unite components A, which extend in four directions, for development of the particular type of construction unit involved.

In view of the foregoing, it will be observed that components A, together with the intervening connectors 16, are adapted for assembly into a multiplicity of structural configurations. As merely exemplary of the versatility of the structural component of this invention, reference will now be made to FIGURES 8 through which illustrate examples of usage of component A. It is, of course, to be noted that the said figures can, at best, merely suggest the potential of components A in the field of construction for the same are adapted for any type of unit such as an arch, bridge, load-carrying walls, enclosures, etc.

FIGURE 8 demonstrates eight components A arranged within the same plane and being suitably joined by connectors 16 so as to form an integrated building link. It will be observed that the centrally, opposed, components A are reversed with relation to tthe adjacent components A so that the incorporated curvate sides 2 are presented outwardly as distinguished from the inward presentation of the same sides of the components at each end of the link. The exposed faces of connectors 16, being eight in number, incorporated in the link illustrated in FIG- URE 8, provide surfaces for engagement to other components A which may extend in planes normal to the plane of the link, as may best be seen in FIGURES 10' and 11 wherein com-ponents A are illustrated as extending upwardly from the plane of the link.

It is the relationship of the curvate sides of adjacent components A which controls the potential of the particular system for progressing within the related plane. If four components A are mutually secured, within the same plane, so that the respective curvate sides 2 describe a full circle, then the capacity of the system to grow or progress within that particular plane is terminated. On the other hand, if such circle is not completed, as by the mere union of two or three such components as shown in the three components of each end of the link of FIGURE 8, the system may then progress within the plane since surfaces are available for securement to additional components A, just as the two central components A of the link of FIGURE 8 are permitted joinder to the end components.

Referring now to FIGURES 10 and 11, it will be seen that the components A which extend upwardly from the plane of the base link are arranged so that two half circles, as indicated at 21, 22 are formed at right angles to each other and perpendicular to the plane of the link so that further progression in that direction is foreclosed but, obviously, since the same are half circles further growing is available in the opposite directions, or, in the case of FIGURES l0 and 11, in a direction downwardly. An arrangement of twelve components A wherein, for example, one set of four are presented in the horizontal plane with the curvate sides forming a completed circle, and two sets of four components A are perpendicular thereto, in vertical planes passing through the horizontal plane and in mutual perpendicular relationship, a full tie-off would be created in that no further extension of the system is possible from such closed arrangement of twelve components A. Such an arrangement would have little application, but the same is discussed purely for purposes of elucidation.

Turning now to FIGURES 12, 13, 14 and 15, a more complex arrangement of components A is shown. FIG- URES 14 and 15, which disclose end views of the structure shown in FIGURE 12, besides illustrating the extension of the structure in an upward and outward manner, also discloses the practical utility of the link shown in FIGURE 8 as a basic building element. The construction shown in the said figures clearly demonstrates the unique capability of the components of this invention to allow for growth of the system in a multiplicity of directions simultaneously, that is, in all six planes so as to allow freedom of expression for the architect in addition to providing a structural system as may be practically required for resolution of any building problem.

It will be observed that the components A are always in mutually opposing relationship in space so that a sturdy, stable arrangement is assured. Furthermore, since a single structural component is used, workmen can encounter no problems in assembly as there does not exist the problem of rights and lefts and there is eliminated the need for marking the various components. Replacement, obviously, presents no difficulty and the standardization of a single component conduces to high volume, rapid, and economic production. Therefore, the component of this invention presents a marked advance in the construction art in that it provides both economy in production, as well as in construction, and provides extreme versatility in usage.

Components of the present invention may be manufactured of any suitable material consonant with the structural requirements of the particular unit in question.

It should be understood that chanegs and modifications in the formation, construction, arrangement and combination (2 the several parts of the structural component may be made and substituted for these herein shown and described without departing from the nature and principle of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. For use in a structural system, a structural component comprising a multi-lateral web having first and second curvate sides in concavo-concave relationship, first and second linear sides extending laterally from the ends of said first curvate side in mutually perpendicular relationship, a mounting flange being provided on each of said first and second linear sides for securing said component to similar adjacent components to form said structural system, there being linear connecting end sides between the outer ends of said first and second linear sides and the proximate ends of said second curvate side.

2. For use in a structural system, a structural component comprising a multi-lateral Web having first and second curvate sides in conoavo-concave relationship, said first curvate side being formed on a smaller radius than said second curvate side, first and second linear sides extending laterally from the ends of said first curvate sides in mutually perpendicular relationship, a mounting flange being provided on each of said first and second linear sides for securing said component to similar adjacent components to form said structural system, and linear connecting end sides extending between the outer ends of said first and second linear sides and the ends of said second curvate side.

3. For use in a structural system, a structural component as defined in claim 2 and further characterized by a first flange being provided on each of said first and second curvate sizes in planar perpendicular relationship to the web, said flanges being coextensive with said curvate sides, each of said first and second linear side mounting flanges being provided with bolt-receiving openings, said mounting flanges being of greater width than said flanges on said first and second curvate sides.

4. For use in a structural system, a structural component as defined in claim 2 and further characterized by said first curvate side constituting an arc of less than 90, and said second curvate side constituting an are more than 90.

5. For use in a structural system, a structural component as defined in claim 2 and further characterized by the connecting end sides being in mutual perpendicular relationship.

6. For use in a structural system, a structural component as defined in claim 2 and further characterized by the center of radius of said first and second curvate sides being located on a line passing through the midpoint of said first and second curvate sides.

7. For use in a structural system, a structural component as defined in claim 6 and further characterized by said line passing through the center of radii of said first and second curvate sides forming an angle of 45 with each of said first and second linear sides.

8. For use in a structural system, a structural component as defined in claim 6 wherein said first and second linear sides are so related that projections of the same will intersect the line passing through the center of radii of said first and second curvate sides at a point between said first curvate side and the center of radius thereof.

9. For use in a structural system, the combination of a structural component as defined in claim 8, and further characterized by said mounting flanges including at least one connector member for interengaging juxtaposed components, said connector member being of such dimension that the center lines of connector members on the first and second linear sides in projection intersect the center of radius of the included first curvate side.

10. For use in a structural system, a structural component as defined in claim 6 wherein the connecting end sides are in mutual perpendicular relationship and projections of the same intersect the line passing through the center of radii of said first and second curvate sides at a point beyond the center of radius of said second curvate side.

11. For use in a structural system, a structural component as defined in claim 10 and further characterized by said connecting end sides being in axial perpendicular relationship to the adjacent linear side.

12. For use in a References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner. R. S. VERMUT, Assistant Examiner. 

1. FOR USE IN A STRUCTURAL SYSTEM, A STRUCTURAL COMPONENT COMPRISING A MULTI-LATERAL WEB HAVING FIRST AND SECOND CURVATURE SIDES IN CONCAVO-CONCAVE RELATIONSHIP, FIRST AND SECOND LINEAR SIDES EXTENDING LATERALLY FROM THE ENDS OF SAID FIRST CURVATE SIDE IN MUTUALLY PERPENDICULAR RELATIONSHIP, A MOUNTING FLANGE BEING PROVIDED ON EACH OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND LINEAR SIDES FOR SECURING SAID COM- 